In the world of school social work, no two days are the same and that’s exactly what Justine Colvin loves about her role. If you ask Justine what a typical day looks like in her role, she’ll smile and say, “What is typical?” And for anyone who has worked in school social work, that sentiment resonates. Each day brings a different challenge, a new need, and an opportunity to make a meaningful difference. That’s exactly where Justine thrives and this week’s staff shoutout goes to her.
As a Special Education School Social Worker at George Washington Elementary SchoolJustine’s days are built around adaptability, compassion, and action. Her role is multifaceted and ever-changing. She moves fluidly between facilitating social skills groups, attending IEP meetings, conducting home visits, and providing emotional and logistical support to families navigating complex systems. She’s often the person connecting dots across departments and outside organizations, quietly making things happen for the students who need it most.
For 13 years, Justine has been a cornerstone of support within the School District of Lancaster, with a focus on our special education community. She plays a crucial role in ensuring students with disabilities are not only heard but fully supported, emotionally, academically, and socially. She works closely with teachers, administrators, outside agencies, and most importantly, families. Her approach is holistic, thoughtful, and rooted in trust-building.
“My favorite part of this job has always been the relationships,” Justine says. “It’s about more than helping in the moment, it’s about creating connections that last, that carry students and families through the ups and downs.”
That long-term lens was especially clear this school year, when a student she had been working with for years finally gained access to a full slate of services. “This didn’t happen overnight,” Justine reflects. “It took years of consistent support, follow-through, advocacy, and relationship-building with the family. And when it finally came together, it was incredibly meaningful.” It’s one of her proudest moments of the year, not because it was easy, but because it was hard-fought and absolutely worth it.
It wasn’t a quick fix. It took time, persistence, and a deep belief in the student’s potential. And when it finally came together, it was a powerful example of the long-term impact school social workers can have.
Justine’s own journey with SDoL began as a graduate intern. She earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from Millersville University, where she completed her MSW internship with SDoL under the mentorship of Pam Smith, former Coordinator of Community Schools. Pam left a lasting impact. “Pam is such an inspiration to me and a champion for school social workers,” Justine says “She believed in the role of school social workers, not just as service providers, but as leaders and connectors. I was fortunate to learn from her example, and I carry that forward every day. She helped me see how social work could be a bridge between students and opportunity.” It’s clear that Justine now embodies that same spirit, meeting families where they are, removing barriers, and helping them take the next step forward.
That foundation has shaped Justine’s approach ever since: she doesn’t just respond to needs, she anticipates them, plans for them, and helps build sustainable systems around students and families. Her colleagues often describe her as someone who shows up fully, listens deeply, and quietly does the work that makes schools stronger.
Over the years, Justine has collected hundreds of memories, but her favorite moments are the everyday ones that come full circle: seeing former students thrive as they move on to middle school, high school, and eventually graduation. “Running into students years later in the community and seeing how far they’ve come, it’s always such a joy,” she shares.
When she’s not at work, Justine finds joy in her family. A fun fact many may not know: she and her husband met right here in the district—at Burrowes Elementary back in 2012. They now share life together with their children, and even had the memorable experience of meeting MLB star Aaron Judge as a family in 2022 (a major highlight for any baseball fan!).
When asked what makes SDoL special, Justine points to the collective heart of the district. “The students and families are incredible. And the partnerships we’ve built, inside our schools and throughout Lancaster, create real opportunities. There’s a deep level of care here. People want to see each other succeed.” And that’s what Justine does, day in and day out. She helps others succeed, quietly, consistently, and with a deep sense of purpose.
Justine, thank you for showing us what it means to lead with empathy, to advocate without giving up, and to believe in the potential of every student. Your work makes a lasting difference, and we’re so proud to celebrate you.